The 17 Hottest Restaurants: Inside Food Fight Restaurant Group’s 2025 Madison WI Takeover

The Food Fight Restaurant Group, a true pillar of the Madison, Wisconsin culinary scene, is celebrating its 30th anniversary and continues to dominate the local dining landscape with over 17 unique concepts as of this current date in December 2025. Far from being a single corporate entity, the group operates as a family of distinct, locally-owned eateries, each with its own identity, chef, and loyal following, maintaining a fresh and diverse portfolio that caters to every taste and occasion in Dane County and beyond.

The group’s philosophy centers on creating authentic, high-quality dining experiences, from classic diners and vibrant brunch spots to upscale Italian and steakhouse concepts. This commitment to diversity and local ownership has allowed Food Fight to not only survive but thrive for three decades, constantly evolving while staying true to its Madison roots. The latest buzz surrounds a new concept opening across from the Overture Center for Performing Arts, signaling their continued expansion and commitment to revitalizing downtown Madison.

The Founders and Key Players Driving Madison's Culinary Powerhouse

The Food Fight story is intrinsically linked to the vision of its founder, establishing a legacy that has shaped Madison's culinary identity for over 30 years.

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• Founder: Monty Schiro
• Founding Year: 1994 (Though his first restaurant, Monty's Blue Plate Diner, opened in 1990)
• First Concept: Monty's Blue Plate Diner, a quintessential Madison establishment that set the tone for the group's commitment to quality and community.
• Key Executive Leadership: Kevin Henry, who serves as the group's Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
• Award-Winning Talent: Chef Giovanni Novella, a celebrated figure who was voted Madison's Best Chef in both 2023 and 2024. Chef Novella is the driving force behind the group's acclaimed Italian concepts.
• Group Size: A family of over 17 unique, locally-owned restaurants and dining concepts across Madison, Middleton, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Full Portfolio: A List of Food Fight Restaurants and Concepts (2025)

Food Fight Restaurant Group’s strength lies in its incredible diversity, offering everything from casual comfort food to fine dining experiences. This extensive portfolio ensures that the group remains a central figure in the Madison dining scene, with options for virtually any craving. Their concepts span multiple cuisines, including upscale Italian, classic American diner food, Mexican cuisine, and sophisticated steakhouse fare.

Here is a comprehensive list of the most current and popular restaurants under the Food Fight umbrella, demonstrating their massive topical authority in the region:

• Aldo's Cafe: A casual, vibrant cafe setting known for its coffee and light fare.
• Bar Corallini: Chef Giovanni Novella's classic Italian concept, celebrated for its fresh pasta, Neapolitan pizza, and Italian classics.
• Bassett Street Brunch Club: A popular, retro-inspired spot near the UW-Madison campus offering all-day breakfast and comfort food.
• Canteen: A lively spot offering tacos, tequila, and fresh Mexican cuisine in a vibrant setting.
• Cento: An upscale Italian dining experience located in the heart of downtown Madison, focusing on modern Italian cuisine.
• The Coopers Tavern: A European-style pub known for its extensive craft beer list and gourmet pub fare.
• Eldorado Grill: A long-standing favorite offering Southwestern cuisine with a focus on smokehouse flavors and unique cocktails.
• Everly: A bright and airy restaurant focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients and a modern American menu.
• HWY1: A concept with a focus on a specific culinary theme or location, providing a unique dining escape.
• Il Cervo: The group's expansion into Milwaukee, located in the Deer District, showcasing their ability to succeed beyond Dane County.
• Johnny Delmonico's: Madison's premier classic American steakhouse, known for its high-end cuts and sophisticated atmosphere.
• Monty's Blue Plate Diner: The original concept, a beloved, colorful diner famous for its comfort food and homemade pies.
• Osteria Novella: A collaboration with Chef Giovanni Novella, bringing authentic Amalfi Coast cuisine to Madison, further cementing the group's Italian dominance.
• Steenbock's on Orchard: Located on the UW-Madison campus, offering a modern dining experience with a focus on local sourcing.
• Tex Tubb's Taco Palace: A fun, casual spot for Tex-Mex favorites, including burritos, margaritas, and, of course, tacos.
• Trevi Lounge: Often associated with one of the Italian concepts, serving as a stylish bar or lounge area.

What’s Next? New Concepts, Awards, and Community Impact in 2025

As Food Fight enters its fourth decade, the group is not resting on its past success. The focus for 2025 remains on innovation, community engagement, and strategic expansion, ensuring they remain the largest independent restaurant group in the Madison area.

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The Overture Center Expansion: A New Downtown Concept

One of the most anticipated developments is the planned opening of a new, currently unnamed concept. The location is a prime spot directly across from the Overture Center for Performing Arts, a major cultural hub in downtown Madison. This strategic move highlights the group’s commitment to urban revitalization and its belief in the continued growth of the downtown dining and entertainment district. The April opening is expected to draw significant attention and further diversify the group's offerings with a fresh, new idea.

Chef Giovanni Novella's Ongoing Acclaim

The recognition of Chef Giovanni Novella as Madison's Best Chef for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024) is a testament to the high caliber of culinary talent within the Food Fight family. His work at Bar Corallini and his collaboration on Osteria Novella showcase the group's ability to foster and celebrate world-class cooking right here in Wisconsin. This continuous acclaim helps elevate the entire Madison dining scene and reinforces the perceived value of all Food Fight establishments.

Commitment to Community and Sustainability

Beyond the dining room, Food Fight has a strong track record of community involvement, which is a key component of its long-term success and local brand loyalty. The group frequently partners with non-profit organizations, such as the Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, to host fundraisers and raise awareness for local hunger issues. This dedication to social responsibility, along with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and unique, non-chain concepts, has solidified their reputation as a responsible and beloved local institution. Their ability to manage a large, diverse group while maintaining a local, independent feel is a major factor in their sustained success.

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